Day: August 10, 2023

Home Head and Neck Cancer Head and neck cancer haunts a large chunk of the Indian population. Fueled by the rampant prevalence of tobacco chewing and smoking habits, this ominous disease has emerged as a formidable adversary, accounting for a staggering 30% of all reported cancers across the country, as revealed by a study, according to a study published in a scientific journal. Amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope emerges. In recent years, there has been a slight but noticeable decrease in the number of head and neck cancer cases, offering a glimpse of a brighter future. This positive change can be credited to spreading awareness, igniting a flame of knowledge that guides us towards healthier lives. By making changes in our habits, we have taken a significant step in freeing ourselves from the grip of this formidable disease. “>”>What is head and neck cancer?  Head and neck cancers are cancer types that appear in a person’s mouth, throat, neck and other parts of the head. Cancer is a condition that is characterized by abnormal division of old and damaged cells. These cells form a lump of tissue called a tumour (cancerous or malignant) which can invade nearby normal tissues, break away from it’s point of origin and spread to other body parts. Head and neck cancer can show up in any part of the head or neck region.  Also read: Benign & malignant tumours: Why is it essential to understand the distinction  “>”>Where does head and neck cancer start? “>”>Looking at the anatomy of a person’s head, it’s internal regions are as follows; Nasal cavity: It is a space inside and behind the nose, above the bone, that forms the roof of the mouth region. Sinuses– They are small cavities, filled with air, located behind the forehead and cheekbones. Pharynx– It is the common cone-shaped passageway of the alimentary tract and respiratory tract originating from the oral and nasal cavities in the head connecting to the esophagus and larynx. Pharynx is divided into three parts; Nasopharynx:– It is the hollow part of the throat behind the nose. Oropharynx:– It is the part of the pharynx located in the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth region. It also includes other parts of the mouth and throat regions like the soft palate (muscular part of the mouth’s roof), the tonsils, and the tongue’s back one-third region. Hypopharynx:– It refers to the bottom part of the throat region. Also called the laryngopharynx, it is a crucial portion through which air, food, and water pass. Oral cavity:– It refers to the mouth, including parts like lips, lining inside the lips and checks (buccal mucosa), two-thirds of the tongue, upper and low gums, floor of the mouth (under the tongue), bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and portion behind wisdom tooth. Tongue:– It is a muscular organ in the oral cavity that assists in processes like chewing, swallowing, talking, and breathing. Salivary gland:– It is a gland that secretes saliva, a substance that plays a crucial role in keeping the oral cavity free of certain infections, lubricating oral mucosa, and facilitating processes like chewing, swallowing, and speech. Larynx:– Also known as the voice box, it is part of the throat region that has vocal cords and assists in breathing, talking, and swallowing. A cancerous tumour can form in any of the above-mentioned regions. The group of cells that line the mucosal regions of the head and neck are called squamous cells. Cancers that begin in these cells are called squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Also read: A comprehensive guide to breast cancer  “>”>What are the notable signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?  The symptoms of head and neck cancer vary depending on factors such as how quickly they grow, how far they spread, and the type of cells they affect, mostly squamous cells. Head and neck cancer usually begins with an ulcer in any of the oral cavity or throat. If the ulcer persists for more than two weeks, it is cause for concern. Unusually swelling that persists Sore that doesn’t heal  Red (erythroplakia) or white patch (leukoplakia) in the mouth Unusual lump or bump in the mouth or neck region (it may or may not be painful) Unusual pain in the mouth or neck region  Sore throat that persists Bad smell that doesn’t go away Change in voice  Persistent nasal congestion  Bleeding from the nose  Breathlessness or breathing difficulty  Double vision  Unusual numbness or weakness in the face, oral cavity or neck region  Swallowing difficulty  Pain or difficulty while chewing or talking  Unusual pain in the jaw Blood in the saliva or phlegm  Loosening of the tooth Ear pain   Head and neck cancer also comes with commonly reported symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and unusual loss of appetite.   “>”>Showing signs of cancer? Click here to book a blood test.  Risk assessment now ! “>”>What are the different types of head and neck cancers?  Oral cancer:It forms in the oral region; lips, buccal mucosa, upper and low gums, the floor of the mouth (under the tongue), bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and portion behind wisdom tooth. Tongue cancer: Cancer that forms in the tongue region. Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Nasopharyngeal cancer: It is cancer that forms in the upper part of the throat or pharynx, called the nasopharynx. Oropharyngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the middle part of the throat or oropharynx. Cancer that forms in the tonsil is called tonsil cancer, and it is the most common form of oropharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the bottom part of the throat or the hypopharynx. Salivary gland cancer:It is a cancer that forms in the salivary gland. Laryngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the larynx or voice box. Laryngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms